What the heck is Build, Build, Build?

Recently Binibining Pilipinas candidate Sandra Lemonon generated a buzz in the internet world with her brutally honest answer in the question-and-answer portion. She was asked by a judge a question about her insights on the government’s Build, Build, Build program?

Lemonon, regretfully, does not have any idea what Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s flagship program. She told the judge, “Actually you know what, I studied so much for this Q&A, but sadly that’s something that I don’t know really much about. But at least I’m here trying to answer a good question. Thank you.”

It is unfortunate that she does not know what is going on in her country. But honestly, she is not alone. There are more Filipinos like her who have no idea about what the government is doing to make their lives better. Sadly, unlike Lemonon who is honest about her lack of knowledge, many of those who are unaware are also the ones who are unrelenting in their bashing of the government and the president.

In a nutshell the Build, Build, Build program of the government is part of the 10-point Socioeconomic Agenda of Pres. Duterte envisioned to reduce poverty from 21.6 percent to 13 percent by 2020.

Under the Build, Build, Build Program the administration targets to build key infrastructures that will help the country increase its productive capacity, create jobs, increase incomes, and strengthen the investment climate that will lead to sustained inclusive growth (http://www.build.gov.ph/).

The government targets to spend 8 to 9 trillion pesos on these infrastructure projects from 2017 to 2022.

The Build, Build, Build Program of the government is the reason why you see so many Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) personnel working so hard under the heat of the sun even throughout the night. It is the reason why our roads are wider and nicer. It is also the reason why areas that you can’t get to in the past are now accessible. It is the reason why the islands are much more connected than in the past.

Some people say that the Build, Build, Build Program is one of President Duterte’s defining legacy, but if you really know him, he does not care for that. He just wants to make the lives of Filipinos better.

Now, if you ever join a beauty contest and you are asked about the Build, Build, Build Program of the government, you know the answer.